Summer Time

– in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 14 July 1964.

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10.1 p.m.

Photo of Mr Christopher Woodhouse Mr Christopher Woodhouse , Oxford

I beg to move, That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, in pursuance of the provisions of section 2 of the Summer Time Act 1947, praying that the Summer Time Order 1964 be made in the form of the draft laid before this House on 1st July. As the Order this year introduces an innovation, it may be right for me to give a short explanation of its background. The Summer Time Acts of 1922 and 1925 provide that Summer Time should run from the Sunday after the third Saturday in April until the Sunday after the first Saturday in October, save where Easter Day falls on that Sunday in April, in which case Summer Time starts a week earlier. In 1947, an Act was passed which provided for Summer Time to be varied in any year by Order in Council. It is in pursuance of the provisions of Section 2 of that Act that the draft Order has been laid.

An inquiry conducted by the Government in 1959–60 showed that public opinion appeared to favour prolongation of the normal statutory period of Summer Time as laid down in the Acts of 1922 and 1925. After a full debate in December, 1960, Parliament approved the Government's proposal experimentally to extend the period for three weeks in both spring and autumn. This experimental arrangement, which was effected by the Summer Time Order, 1961, proved generally popular and subsequent Orders authorised its continuance during 1962 and 1963.

This year, to avoid Summer Time starting on Easter Day, an extension of seven weeks was authorised by the Summer Time (1964) Order, 1963. This earlier beginning of Summer Time appears to have been popular and we are, therefore, proposing that next year's extension should be of a similar duration.

It has been suggested that it would be more satisfactory to all concerned, and especially to those who compile diaries and timetables, if the periods of Summer Time were fixed for some years ahead, rather than annually as has been usual. My right hon. Friend thinks that there is substance in this proposal and he has, therefore, decided to include in the draft Order in Council provision for a seven weeks' extension of the normal statutory period in the three years 1965–67. The periods are from 21st March to 24th October in 1965, 20th March to 23rd October in 1966, and 19th March to 29th October in 1967.

Perhaps I should explain that if public opinion about Summer Time should alter between now and 1967, it would be practicable to modify this Order in Council at any time by means of a new Order in Council.

10.5 p.m.

Photo of Sir Eric Fletcher Sir Eric Fletcher , Islington East

I do not think anyone would quarrel with this Order. As it is an innovation, the hon. Gentleman was right to explain why it takes a different form from previous Orders.

The House has always taken a great interest on when Summer Time should operate, and it is to be observed that hitherto Parliament has retained control over the times which are fixed each year. On the other hand, I think it is now generally recognised that it is to the convenience of a great many people to know in advance, perhaps at least more than one year ahead, what the Summer Time dates are to be. I understand that this is of particular convenience not only to those who manufacture and make diaries, but also to those, which I suppose includes most of us, who use diaries, and therefore are able to know when Summer Time operates.

Summer Time has become so ingrained in our social system in this generation that some of us are inclined to overlook what immense benefits it has conferred on the community, not only in providing much greater opportunities for many people to enjoy extended hours of sunshine for many months of the year, but in providing economic and industrial benefits involving a great deal of saving in gas, electricity and power of various kinds.

One should, I think, note that there has been a tendency gradually to extend the length of Summer Time, and I think that the Minister is right in saying that that is generally in accordance with the wishes of the majority of the citizens, although there are still sections of the community to whom the prolongation of Summer Time to later in the year produces some hardship. But this is essentially a matter in which the House should have regard to the general interest.

One observes that we have now got to the stage at which Summer Time seems to be in operation not merely for the summer months but for the major part of the year. For example, in the dates proposed for 1967, it seems to be an extension not merely of seven weeks but of eight weeks. Summer time will operate from 19th March to 29th October, which according to my calculations is 7½ months. I would have thought that we had reached the extreme limit of the period for which Summer Time was desirable, and I hope that we shall not drift into a situation such as obtains in France and other continental countries where Summer Time is in operation throughout the year.

I cordially support the Order and hope that the House will approve it.

Question put and agreed to.

Resolved, That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, in pursuance of the provisions of section 2 of the Summer Time Act 1947, praying that the Summer Time Order 1964 be made in the form of the draft laid before this House on 1st July.

To be presented by Privy Councillors or Members of Her Majesty's Household.